Product design challenges
Frederico Albergaria
Image and functionality
José Martinez
Outdoor spaces: a piece of nature in our homes
Filipa Fleming
Founder of the Filipa Fleming Interior Design studio
The way we want to live in our homes has been changing in recent years and the pandemic has further emphasised the central role that it plays in our lives. And while the outdoor space has always been highly valued, it has become particularly sought out since then, to the point that it is now one of the major themes in the construction or remodelling of new homes.
Gardens, verandas, terraces and even Moorish-style courtyards are conquering architecture and interior design, extending social areas and establishing a relationship with the outdoors and nature. Interior design tends to create large, communicating areas that open up to the outside, providing continuity in fluid, integrated spaces that often become the heart of the home, the favourite place for family gatherings.
In many cases, the living and dining room are reproduced outside so that outdoor living can be enjoyed to the full. It is therefore essential that these open spaces maintain the privacy of the house and of those who live in it, without conditioning their use or the connection with the natural surroundings and, sometimes, the view over the landscape. It is not a coincidence that the delimitation of indoor and outdoor areas is often done using large windows and glazed doors, an option that brings the green and the brightness of nature into the house.
And the fact that these spaces are located outside the house does not mean that they require less attention when decorating them. On the contrary. The tendency is to create a relaxed atmosphere, but at the same time comfortable, cosy and with a touch of sophistication. Depending on the size, it is important to create areas for relaxing, more or less informal dining areas, reading, study and even work corners.
Creating shaded areas to improve thermal comfort is one of the biggest challenges in outdoor decoration, not to mention lighting to enjoy these spaces at night. Last but not least, vegetation is a vital element, not only to bring more life to the spaces, but also for its impact on physical and emotional well-being. It is the "green” that connects us to nature and restores our biological dimension.
Gardens, verandas, terraces and even Moorish-style courtyards are conquering architecture and interior design, extending social areas and establishing a relationship with the outdoors and nature. Interior design tends to create large, communicating areas that open up to the outside, providing continuity in fluid, integrated spaces that often become the heart of the home, the favourite place for family gatherings.
In many cases, the living and dining room are reproduced outside so that outdoor living can be enjoyed to the full. It is therefore essential that these open spaces maintain the privacy of the house and of those who live in it, without conditioning their use or the connection with the natural surroundings and, sometimes, the view over the landscape. It is not a coincidence that the delimitation of indoor and outdoor areas is often done using large windows and glazed doors, an option that brings the green and the brightness of nature into the house.
And the fact that these spaces are located outside the house does not mean that they require less attention when decorating them. On the contrary. The tendency is to create a relaxed atmosphere, but at the same time comfortable, cosy and with a touch of sophistication. Depending on the size, it is important to create areas for relaxing, more or less informal dining areas, reading, study and even work corners.
Creating shaded areas to improve thermal comfort is one of the biggest challenges in outdoor decoration, not to mention lighting to enjoy these spaces at night. Last but not least, vegetation is a vital element, not only to bring more life to the spaces, but also for its impact on physical and emotional well-being. It is the "green” that connects us to nature and restores our biological dimension.
